Bradley County Commission backs turf installations at parks, asks school board for track update

The Bradley County Commission on Jan. 5 approved Finance Committee recommendations to pursue installation of artificial turf at county parks and to explore financing the work through options that may include an HCI interfund loan.

Commissioner Milan M. Blake told the commission the committee reviewed proposals from qualified vendors and discussed using turf to expand recreational play and increase tournament-related revenue. "The Finance Committee continued its discussion regarding options for pursuing the installation of turf at county parks to expand recreational play opportunities and increase tournament-related revenue," Blake said.

The commission approved the committee's recommendation unanimously. Separately, the Finance Committee voted to send a formal letter to the Bradley County Board of Education and the director of schools asking whether the board intends to proceed with a track project and requesting a written timeline for use of allocated funds; the commission approved sending the letter and set a response deadline of March 31, 2026.

Why it matters: Turf installation carries capital and maintenance implications and could increase sports tourism revenue; the county's chosen financing method will determine near-term budget impacts. The requested response from the school board seeks to clarify whether allocated funds for the track will be used and to avoid duplicate or conflicting capital investments.

Next steps: County staff will move forward with contracting and financing as directed by the Finance Committee; the board of education has been asked to respond in writing by March 31, 2026.